Holland America Line continues its long-standing commitment to celebrate Alaska’s wildlife and wilderness by expanding its partnership with the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC)—a renowned nonprofit sanctuary dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife through conservation, education, research, and quality animal care. As part of the 2025 Alaska cruise season, Holland America Line will introduce a variety of onboard activities designed to benefit AWCC and raise awareness of Alaska wildlife among guests.
This initiative launches with the debut of Harry & David’s iconic Moose Munch® Premium Popcorn on all Alaska sailings, with 3% of the cruise line’s net sales donated directly to AWCC. The milk chocolate popcorn, available for purchase in both Grand Dutch Café and Crow’s Nest Café (as well as the Library Café on select ships) and as part of the new stateroom snack bar, is a sweet treat with a purpose—helping support AWCC’s mission of caring for orphaned and injured animals. The milk chocolate popcorn, which will sell for $3.50 per bag, will have a co-branded Moose Munch and Holland America Line label on the packaging.
Additionally, Holland America Line will debut two newly crafted cocktails exclusively on Alaska cruises, with $1 from each drink purchased going to AWCC. Inspired by the Alaska wildlife at AWCC, the cruise is launching the “Grizzly Bear Hugo’s Spritz,” a classic spritz made with St-Germain, Ca’Marian Prosecco and soda water. The second, “Pip & Jo’s Moscow Moose,” is a spin on the classic Moscow Mule and contains Sazerac Rye, ginger beer, grapefruit juice and Disaronno Amaretto. Guests can visit Hugo, Pip & Jo and other Alaska animals from AWCC on the way from Whittier to Anchorage after the 7-Day Glacier Discovery Northbound cruises or from cruise-first Cruisetours disembarking in Whittier.
Holland America Line previously announced that Eland the plush moose will be available for purchase in the shops on Alaska cruises and at Holland America Denali Lodge — with $2 from each sale going to AWCC. An iconic symbol of The Great Land and the Dutch word for moose, Eland represents Holland America Line’s leadership in Alaska with more Alaska Wildlife & Wilderness tours than any other cruise line.
“We’re delighted to offer more experiences that allow our guests to not only enjoy while on-board in Alaska, but that also contribute towards something guests are passionate about in Alaska – wildlife,” said Michael Smith, senior vice president of guest experience and product development for Holland America Line. “As a brand that has been cruising to Alaska for more than 75 years, it is a testament to our leadership in this region that allows us to provide more opportunities for guests to see wildlife while in Alaska and have the privilege to work with such esteemed organizations like the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to do so.”
Holland America Line and AWCC
In addition to these initiatives, Holland America Line and AWCC continue to work together to help preserve and protect Alaska’s wildlife. Guests on a Holland America Line Alaska cruise that includes Anchorage or Whittier have the opportunity to visit AWCC with three shore excursions: Exclusive Reindeer Encounter with Airport or Downtown Transfer, Portage Glacier Cruise & Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center for in-transit guests visiting Anchorage, plus and Turnagain Arm, Wildlife Conservation Center & Alyeska Tram with Airport Transfer for guests debarking in Whittier.
“Caring for Alaska’s wildlife is no small task—but thanks to Holland America Line and their big-hearted guests, animals like Hugo the Grizzly Bear and Pip the Moose get a second chance,” said Sarah “Howie” Howard, Executive Director of the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. “Whether it’s through a sweet popcorn snack, a cuddle with a plush moose or a cocktail with a conservation twist, every bit of support matters. We are wildly grateful for this partnership that turns travel into impact.”
More Wildlife Viewing Than Any Other Cruise Line
Holland America Line offers more ways to see the wildlife of Alaska than any cruise line. A wildlife expert on board helps guests witness the majestic animals found in Alaska, including whales, eagles, bears, moose, otters, seals, sea lions and more. A Wildlife Spotting Guide points out the native animals found along the cruise route and includes a map with the best places to see each species. Between 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., wildlife sightings are announced for guest viewing.
The wildlife experience continues ashore. With the most shore excursions featuring a wildlife and wilderness encounters, Holland America Line offers nearly 180 tours to see species of all kinds, including the three shore excursions to AWCC.
In 2025, Holland America Line will offer Alaska cruises and Cruisetours on six ships. In addition to seven-day itineraries, guests can take longer 14-day voyages and a 28-day Arctic Circle that includes 12 Alaska ports. Holland America Line is the only cruise line that ventures up into the heart of the Yukon on a Cruisetour that combines a cruise and visit to Denali National Park.
About Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a non-profit sanctuary dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife through conservation, education, research and quality animal care. Located at the head of Turnagain Arm and the entrance to Portage Valley, AWCC takes in orphaned and injured animals year-round and provides them a forever home. The sanctuary maintains over 200 acres of spacious habitats for resident animals to feel at home displaying their natural wild behavior as education ambassadors for their species.